Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Ubuntu 24.04 “Noble Numbat,” the latest long-term support release, brings a newer Linux kernel, GNOME 46, and expanded security hardening, including experimental TPM-backed full-disk encryption. Commenters weigh its predictable release cadence and strong corporate backing against persistent frustrations with Canonical’s snap packaging strategy, CLI “ads,” and the risk of future lock‑in. Early upgrade reports highlight rough edges—especially around desktop upgrades, AppArmor restrictions, snaps, and third-party tools like Chrome, Slack, and ML stacks—leading many to recommend waiting for the 24.04.1 point release or considering alternatives such as Debian, Fedora, Mint, or NixOS.

Release highlights & security changes

  • 24.04 “Noble Numbat” seen as a natural upgrade for existing Ubuntu users, especially on a regular LTS “treadmill.”
  • Key updates noted: Linux 6.8 kernel, GNOME 46, updated tooling, and additional hardening (e.g., bounds checking, AppArmor tightening, TPM-backed full-disk encryption as experimental).
  • Cloud images now ship without preseeded snaps, which some see as a small but positive change.

AI/ML and GPU stacks

  • Multiple comments warn ML users (especially Nvidia + PyTorch) to wait until the ecosystem validates 24.04; others report Nvidia + PyTorch working fine already.
  • Some users are experimenting with AMD and Intel Arc on 24.04, but tooling and kernel modules can still be rough.
  • General concern that Python/ML ecosystems move slowly and may lag behind the distro.

Snaps vs Flatpak and distro direction

  • Strong dislike of snaps is common: complaints about forced snap installs via apt, startup latency, noisy mount output, home directory pollution (~/snap), and Canonical’s centralized store model.
  • Flatpak is widely preferred by those commenters: clearer separation from system packages, cross-distro, and perceived as less intrusive.
  • Some defend snaps, citing sandboxing and broader Canonical goals (including future immutable Ubuntu Core Desktop).
  • Broader criticism that Canonical repeatedly backs its own tech (Unity, Mir, Upstart, Snap) then pivots after years.

Ubuntu vs Debian/Fedora/others

  • Ubuntu praised for: predictable cadence, HWE kernels, easy third‑party repos, ZFS integration, and commercial support.
  • Debian fans emphasize: fewer “antics,” less chance of radical shifts (e.g., snap‑only), and long-term stability.
  • Fedora is recommended as a snap‑free, up‑to‑date, “get things done” distro with good upgrades and Flatpak integration.
  • Some argue declarative distros (NixOS/Guix) now offer superior stability, reproducibility, and upgrade/rollback stories.

Upgrade and stability concerns

  • Several reports of problematic upgrades from 22.04 to 24.04 (desktop breakage, installer crashes, apparmor-related issues breaking Chrome and snaps’ DNS).
  • Official guidance is that 22.04 users should wait for 24.04.1 before using the upgrade path.
  • TPM-backed FDE sparks debate: some see it as user-hostile/DRM-like; others stress it’s a security feature protecting data on lost or seized devices.